Laodicea (Laodikeia)

Aegean, Turkey 2 tours visit here

Laodicea (Laodikeia) is an extensive ancient city in the Lycus valley just outside modern Denizli, in Turkey's inland Aegean region. Founded in the 3rd century BC by the Seleucid king Antiochus II and named after his wife Laodice, it became one of Anatolia's wealthiest Roman commercial centres, known for banking, a medical school and textiles woven from local black wool. It is also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, addressed in the New Testament letter that calls the community lukewarm, a phrase often linked to the mineral-rich water piped in from springs outside the city. Excavations running since the early 2000s have exposed an unusually complete urban plan: two theatres, a stadium, temples, monumental fountains, bath and agora complexes, and the wide colonnaded Syria Street. The Laodicea Church, one of the earliest known purpose-built churches, stands under a modern shelter and preserves much of its marble and mosaic flooring. The site spreads across an open plateau with little shade, so early morning or late afternoon is more comfortable, and spring and autumn are the easiest seasons. It is usually visited together with Pamukkale and Hierapolis, a short drive north.